To the editor:
The revote of the school budget June 17 will give the “no” voters who defeated the last budget with their vote against the cuts that were made a chance to vote for those positions that have been put back in the budget at the expense of all taxpayers. The cuts made in the previous budget did not prevent any child from learning or the teachers’ ability to teach. The “yes” vote for the previous budget showed voters approval of the cuts made, with a small increase of 3.81 percent in the tax rate.

Does it make sense to ask the taxpayers, responsible for paying the bills, to vote again for a budget that replaces positions and will raise the tax rate to 5.72 percent?
With the economic state in our community, the loss of revenue and the rise in the cost of living we can no longer expect the taxpayer to support the status quo. Residents and businesses in our community have been forced to cut expenses. Taxpayers pay city, county, federal, school and state taxes.

It is time to face reality. Providing a quality education for our children is number one priority with a reduced cost to the district and the taxpaying public. It has taken the last eight years to reach what is now a critical time in our community and in our school district.

If we are to maintain and grow in the future, it is necessary to change the way we do the business of educating our children. Every child is important.

The only control the people and the taxpayers have over the school district budget is with their vote on June 17 and every school board election in the future.

What your tax dollars are being spent for has become more important than ever before.

Children come first.

Veronica Baker
Oswego